All smiles at the Osceola Mobile Denture Unit ribbon cutting

It was all smiles Thursday as Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer and staff from the Osceola Community Health Services cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art mobile dental office trailer. The unit makes essential dentures and related care leading up to dentures (or partials) for residents aged 55 and older more accessible and affordable in local neighborhoods.

“It’s always been my vision to ask how we can make seniors lives a little bit better,” said District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer. “There’s been a gap for a long time with eyes, ears, and teeth. Senior Smiles is an extension of our Healthy Seniors program, where we already cover for eyeglasses. Now we are covering for dentures. What makes this unit important is the accessibility. Seniors often have a lot of trouble with mobility and getting around, so this is going into the neighborhoods.”

The process of getting dentures made and properly fitted can take several visits. The mobile trailer features two exam rooms, along with a dental x-ray machine and the tools needed for the fitting, care, and maintenance of dentures. The unit will be staffed by the dental staff from Health Services.

“Osceola Community Health Services is thrilled to receive the grant from Osceola County that will expand our ability to provide quality dental services throughout the community,” said Dr. Belinda Cornett-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer. “Disability, living in a nursing home, experiencing transportation barriers, or being homebound impacts many seniors in our community, and our mobile dental unit will offer a simple solution to residents. Those who tend to have the poorest oral health, are likely economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Osceola Community Health Services clinics are strategically positioned to address oral health issues within at-risk senior populations while having the ability to offer follow-up appointments and continue their oral healthcare.

“When I first came up with this idea, I talked with Belinda,” said Janer. “I told her about the vision I had for this and she was on board 100 percent. She is as excited as I was to be able to bring this to the community.”

“I am grateful for the smile I’m about to receive,” said Josue Rivera, a patient scheduled to be among the first to receive services. “It’s very much needed in our community, and I really appreciate Viviana bringing this up and helping us senior citizens to get a great smile for a change. Thank you.”

“It’s seniors like Josue that this is what it’s about,” added Janer, “It’s about helping them making their lives better.”

Senior Smiles Osceola is a collaborative effort between the county and Osceola Community Health Services, created to provide affordable and accessible denture services for seniors aged 55 and older. The mobile denture program accommodates both insured and uninsured individuals, with payment options tailored to income and insurance status. For those without insurance, costs are determined based on income. For those with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses will be based on a fixed cost established by Osceola Community Health Services.

For more information or to see if you qualify for Senior Smiles Osceola, call 407-943-8600 option 2, or visit www. seniorsmilesosceola.com. District 2 residents can call 407-742-8501 to see if they qualify for a special offer.